After more than a year of letter writing, petition signing, legislative call-in days, public hearings, lobby days and a huge conference, all involving thousands of people around the state, today the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act (for the hardcore legislative fans out there, the text of the bill can be found here) by a vote of 154 to 0. This bill requires reductions of carbon emissions of 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 and between 10% and 25% by 2020.
From here, the bill, which has already passed the senate, returns there for some final merging of the house and senate versions, and heads to Governor Deval Patrick’s desk for signature. This is a HUGE victory in the state of Massachusetts, and a huge victory for the our state network, Massachusetts Power Shift, which has been a major force in pushing this bill forward. In April, MAPS held a conference and lobby day in Boston, attracting hundreds of students and adults from around the state and including high profile speakers Sen John Kerry and Rep Ed Markey.
Congrats to everyone involved in this campaign! Here’s to starting a new school year with new, bigger, more inclusive and world-changing campaigns. In the words of my favorite tv president, The West Wing’s Jed Bartlet, “What’s next?”
tremendous!
GREAT first step victory to follow what scientists are urging is necessary.
Please note the above link for Massachusetts Power Shift is not working – but here it is http://masspowershift.org/
Best,
Elise
Nice work Mass Power Shifters! This is a big victory and reflects a lot of hard work on your parts and of course, a broad coalition of allies. Well done.
sorry about the link, all fixed! I’ll get this blogging thing down eventually…